Welcome from Ana:

Hi there! I’m Ana, the piano instructor at Willan Academy of Music. My teaching philosophy centers around helping students discover what they enjoy in music—and beyond—while building a strong technical foundation and learning more about themselves through creative expression. In addition to standard repertoire, sight-reading, and technique, my specialties include improvisation, composition, self-accompaniment techniques, and more. Stylistically, I focus on classical, pop, rock, jazz, R&B, musical theatre, country, and blues. I’m excited to learn which styles you love most and to start this musical journey together!

Ana

Piano lessons for kids new york city

Ana P.,

Ana was raised in Kazakhstan and has been playing the piano since the age of four. In addition to seven years of teaching across various genres (pop, rock, classical, jazz, musical theatre, blues), she has been an active performer and has participated in numerous international and domestic festivals, including in Panama, Costa Rica, Serbia, Italy, Kazakhstan, the U.S., and more.

She is an award-winning pianist and composer, having received the New Jazz Legacy Grant from New Music USA (2022), been named a finalist in the Jacksonville Jazz Piano Competition (2021), and earned Grand Prix, Best Arrangement, and Best Original Composition honors at the International Jazz Bridge Competition (2021).

Ana has hosted multiple clinics at the Panama Jazz Festival and is currently teaching in higher education institutions in Massachusetts as well as in New York City. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Piano Performance and Professional Music and a Master of Arts in Global Jazz Performance from Berklee College of Music.

Throughout her educational journey, she has been mentored by Grammy-winning artists and internationally acclaimed musicians, which opened doors to international touring and performing alongside top-tier artists on renowned stages across New York City. She has been actively performing with dazzling saxophonist Grace Kelly, joining her for a tour in China—Grace’s first tour to Asia—last fall.

In addition to piano, Ana discovered her passion for playing the Hammond organ eight years ago. She believes that music is a language accessible to all—at any age—that brings people together and fosters a deeper connection with oneself.

Let’s dive into self-discovery together!

Ana teaches private piano lessons.